This is a discussion on No Poker software, No Problem. within the online poker forums, in the Learning Poker section; I play at the Microstakes level primarily on ACR, but I don't use any tracking software. However, I've found another way to keep very good

No Poker software, No Problem.

I play at the Microstakes level primarily on ACR, but I don't use any tracking software. However, I've found another way to keep very good track of the players I play against by using the player notes section for each player. I make very detailed notes about the player, but I also include at times the hand that I played against that player that made me write the note in the first place. I note the hand(s) that are important, how he/she played that hand, their style of play, how they bet, and from what position. I'm able to crunch all of this information into the player section so that when I see this player again I can just click on the player's notes and see who I'm up against. I have found this to be very useful given the amount of players I see daily. I will also go to sharkscope and see how this player has done over time, whether they are new to the site, whether they are new to the site but have played on other sites, whether they are a winning or losing player, etc. Has anyone else tried this? I know it works for me.

#2

3rd September 2016, 12:55 PM

nestabear [79]

Online Poker at: Unibet

Game: no limit

Hey coachlary69,

I used to do the same as you and most poker clients have this Player notes section that you mention. I also put all relavent info on players in that box for easy reference at a glance. Just recently I've started using a HUD ( Tournament Indicator ) and its wonderful I must say. I still use my personal notes on players, but I'm starting to use the HUD more and more. This HUD that I'm using is really a pleasure and maybe you should give the free version a try. Anyways. Just wanted to let you know how I operate. Enjoy & see you @ the final table.

#3

3rd September 2016, 1:14 PM

10058765 [6,339]

Poker at: Pokerstars

Game: Mixed

(almost) never look at Sharkscope, but I agree making notes could help.
Just be aware players might alter their game, in which case your notes have to be updated time after time, over and over again.

However...the players who you have notes on, are not always at your table.
There's only one player at your table who is there all the time, the most important player actually......and it is you......
And that's where a tracker can be very helpful....because it gives information about you, making you able to judge / evaluate your own game.

Besides that, instead of having to make detailed notes on the fly, you can use a tracker to do the work after finishing your session.

Not going to say you need a tracker......just mentioning some of the advantages having one.

#4

3rd September 2016, 3:40 PM

adamovic [95]

Online Poker at: pokerstars

Game: holdem

in tournaments no need for tracking soft but in cash i think its help.

#5

4th September 2016, 2:48 AM

Diesss [65]

Poker at: Pokerstars

Game: Holdem

Notes on Pokerstars is the only thing I use, all of the poker software crashes in my computer.

#6

4th September 2016, 2:49 AM

vinnie [900]

Online Poker at: ACR

Game: Anything

re: Poker & No Poker software, No Problem.

Using the notes feature will quickly become too cumbersome if you are playing multiple tables and when you start having hundreds of thousands of hands. It has some utility, but it's very limited.

More than anything, you can't take notes on something you don't know you're looking for. If you're using a full tracking program, it is possible to ask those questions later and find the accurate answers. Want to know how often a player folds to a river donk after being the pre-flop aggressor, cbetting flop, and checking back turn? Your tracking program can answer that (as much as it can be answered with your sample size for that player). I'm willing to bet you haven't been taking accurate enough notes that you can find that answer. Want to know how successful your river calls are (to check if you're calling too light or not often enough)? Are you taking notes on yourself?

The trackers have huge value, if for no other reason that being a realistic picture of your own play. I use it on myself more than any other player. I can't pretend to be winning, if I am losing. It also helps for being an easy way to keep accurate records for tax purposes (assuming you're a winning player and pay your taxes on your winnings).

#7

4th September 2016, 7:30 PM

John A [4,835]

If you're playing 1-2 tables of micro stakes, you can get away with no tracking software. Once you play beyond that or bigger stakes, you're at a huge disadvantage if you don't have a HUD. HUGE. More information = better decision making. It's just common sense. You have to know how to use that info, and that's where the learning process come in.